Cornell Cooperative Extension puts knowledge toworkinpursuit ofeconomic vitality, ecologicalsustainabilityand social well-being. Webring local experienceand research-basedsolutions together, helping New YorkState familiesand communities thriveinour rapidly changingworld.
Cornell Cooperative Extension actively supports equal educational and employment opportunities. No person shall be denied admission to any educational program or activity or be denied employment on the basis of any legally prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, color, religion, political beliefs, national or ethnic origin, sex, gender/gender identity, transgender status, sexual orientation, age, marital or family status, protected veterans and individuals with disabilities. Cornell Cooperative Extension is committed to the maintenance of affirmative action programs that will assure the continuation of such equality of opportunity.
BOARDOF DIRECTORS/ ABOUTCCE 1-2
HORTICULTURE
ENVIRONMENT
3-4 5 6 AGRICULTURE
7-8 4-HYOUTH DEVELOPMENT
9-10 NUTRITION WORKFORCE/ COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
STAFF FINANCE VOLUNTEERS
11 12 13 14
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Association Officers
Katharine Ellis, President, Retired SeniorDirectorfor Communications/Binghamton University
MarkBordeau,Vice-President, President & CEO ofthe FoodBankofthe SouthernTier
Sheli O’Hara, Secretary, Community SchoolCoordinator/BinghamtonCitySchoolDistrict
JoelDecker, Treasurer, BranchManager/NBT Bank
Directors-at-Large
JillAlford-Hammitt, Self-employed Potter
Linda Cooper, Retired Attorney; CCE BroomeCountyMasterGardener
Sarah Glose, DirectorofEconomicDevelopment/CityofBinghamton
Cornell Universitylaunchedits first agriculturalextension program in1894, makingitthe nation’slongest-running Extension program.Cornell Cooperative Extension ofBroomeCounty (CCEBroome) was founded in1911asthe first Extension office. Today,CCE Broomeispartof New York'sstatewide network,offeringprogramsinagriculture,nutrition,environment,4-H youth development,and community development,witheducators using Cornell’s researchto benefit all residents ofBroomeCounty.
LETTER FROM BETH ROBERTS
Dear Friends,
As I reflect on 2024, I am filled with pride for the progress we’ve achieved together at Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County (CCE Broome).
This year’s annual report highlights the collective impact of our programs, partnerships, and the unwavering dedication of our staff, volunteers, and community supporters.
From the success of the Grown in Broome platform to the transformative 4-H programs and CareerBound workforce training, we have empowered individuals, families, and businesses to thrive. Through innovative initiatives in agriculture, horticulture, nutrition, youth development, and environmental sustainability, CCE Broome continues to deliver knowledge-based solutions that improve lives and strengthen our community.
I am deeply grateful to our Board of Directors, staff, volunteers, and partners for their dedication and vision. Your support is the cornerstone of our success. Together, we will continue building a brighter, more sustainable future for Broome County.
Beth Roberts Executive Director
AGRICULTURE
In2024, CCE Broome County’sagriculture and food systems programs made significant stridesinfostering localgrowthand communityimpact.The Broome County Regional Farmers Market supported over120 businesses, expandedwith a secondbuilding for winter vendors,and rescued5,930 pounds of food for Binghamton Food Rescue.The KidsClub doubledinsize, promotingagricultural awareness among children, and $44,849 inincentiveswere redeemed, boosting thelocaleconomy.
CCE Broome iscommitted toproviding servicestoVeterans, providing essential resourcestosupport food resiliency and local agriculture.A total of 478 Veterans receivedcouponstoshop atarea farmers markets, resulting in$7,170 spent with localfarms.Veterans alsoparticipatedincookingand gardening classeson topics likefood preservation and meal preparation,with 90attendees.Additionally, 35 Veterans receivedHoliday Giving Box containingingredients and recipes toprepare a complete meal.
The launch of the Grownin Broome online platform inAprilsupported localfarms and food producers,attracting 5,500 visitors.The platform featuresaninteractive producerdirectory and a landing pagefor CCE Boome’s bi-annualOpen Farm Day, which drew3,000 attendees.The Marketsof Broome platform, launched with support from the NYS Department of Agriculture and Marketsconnected over 30farms and food businesseswith localfarmers markets, strengthening localfood systems.
The Commercial Kitchen and Taste NYofferedvitalsupport tolocal food businessesin2024. The kitchen helped11MWBEfood ventures with resourceslikebusinessmentoring andworkshops while supporting eventslikethe Food & Farm Showcase and Womenof Food.Taste NY, atCCE Broome and the Southern TierWelcome Center, added 15new businessesand saw increased sales,including over$25,000 insales during the Aprileclipseweekend. These initiativesplayeda key roleinadvancing the Buy Localmovement and supporting small businessesacrossBroome County.
INCENTIVES SPENT WITH FARMS $78000
5930 PEOPLE WHO VISITED LOCAL FARMS LBS OF FOOD DONATED
3000
The South Central NY Dairy & Field Crops Program provides essential support to improve farm profitability and address emerging challenges in the dairy and field crops industry. In Broome County, farmgate income totaled $49 million from milk, crops, and cow sales. Key program activities in 2024 included: Monitoring four farms and six fields for alfalfa growth.
Assisting 15 farms with technical support. Hosting two animal care workshops with 13 participants.
Conducting a livestock injection safety workshop with 14 youth and six adults.
HORTICULTURE
In2024, CCE Broome’sHorticulture Departmentoffered 37programsto 537 participants, supported by87 MasterGardenerVolunteers(MGVs) and seven trainees, who contributed 7,691 hours valuedat$258,000. The departmentalsoassisted389 clients withdiagnosticservices, emphasizing its commitmentto horticultureeducation and community engagement.
Key projectsincludedthe Blocksin Bloom Binghamtonpilot, which planted gardens at11households onLiberty and LorraineStreets, fostering neighborhoodconnections withthe CityofBinghamton. Over 1,100 poundsofproduce fromthe CutlerBotanic Vegetable Garden weredonated tothe BroomeCounty PublicLibrary’s foodpantrythrough the FarmtoLibrary program, which alsofeaturedfreegardening workshops.
The 6th annual MuchAdo inthe Gardenfestival drew500 attendees withits mix ofhorticultureand Shakespearean-themedarts. Later, a celebration markedrenovations at CutlerBotanic Garden, fundedbythe HoytFoundation, and highlighted a new labyrinth sculpture created with Windsor HighSchool’swelding class.
1100 OFPRODUCE POUNDS DONATED
ENVIRONMENT
CCE Broome’senvironmental programspromote sustainability, education, and community engagementacross BroomeCounty.
In2024, the Nature-Basedprogram reached 6,933 residents through school and community education, citizen science opportunities, and partnershipstoprotect nativeash trees.The “LunchwithTom”seriesengaged over 500 participants, and the additionofa new educatorstrengthenedprogram delivery. The Solid Waste and CompostingEducation program engaged 3,231 residents through lessons and eventslikethe Pumpkin Smash and ClothingSwap, diverting waste and raising awareness.The community compost program grew, with50 members composting3,115 poundsoffoodscrapsand participating inworkshops like“Composting 101.”
Community EnergyAdvisors advancedclean energyeducation through workshops, energyaudits, and eventslikethe WinterResourceFair. Theyengaged over3,000 residents, generated nearly600 leads, and
13164
RESIDENTSENGAGED THROUGHPROGRAMS ANDEVENTS
3115 POUNDSOFFOOD SCRAPSDIVERTED FROMTHELANDFILL
4-H YOUTH DEVELOPMENT
285 BROOMECOUNTY4-HMEMBERS
358 COUNTYFAIREXHIBITS
6556 STUDENTSENGAGEDWITHAGRICULTURE
Cornell Cooperative Extension ofBroomeCountyoffers impactful youth development and agricultural education through 4-H and Agriculture inthe Classroom (AITC)programs. 4-H engages youth ages5 to18inhands-onlearningthatbuildsessential life skillslikeindependence, belonging, generosity, and mastery.In BroomeCounty, 4-H’s SPARK Clubprovidesuniqueopportunities for youth toexplore new interests through workshops and projects. Thisyear, 4-H reached its largest enrollmentwith285 youth, including 92first-yearmembers and 87SPARK-only participants. Programslikethe livestock auction, public presentations, Horse Bowl, Dairy Bowl, and the CountyFair engaged hundredsofyouth, with57dedicated volunteers supportingthese initiatives.
AITCpartnerswith13school districts toteach 6,656 students about agriculture while aligninglessons withlanguagearts, math, science, and social studies standards.Highlightsofthe year includedAgLiteracyWeek, where 1,749 studentsparticipatedin reading I LoveStrawberries!, and a field tripwhere 253 secondgraders fromVestal Schools visited Riverside Dairy inCincinnatus tolearn about dairy farming and sampleChobani products. Through these programs, CCE BroomeCountycontinues to inspire youth tobecomefutureleaders and stewardsof agriculture, contributingpositivelytotheir communities.
1186 BINGHAMTONSTUDENTSENGAGED
518 ROOTEDPROGRAMMINGHOURS
51 UNITYTEENLEADERS
25 VISITINGPROFESSORSENGAGED
In2024, CCE BroomeCountymadea significant impactthrough its RootEDand 4-H UNITY(Urban Neighborhoods Improved Through Youth)programs, fostering leadershipand community engagement.
The RootEDprogram, inpartnership withthe BinghamtonCity School District(BCSD), served1,146 studentsingrades2–5 with STEAM-focused afterschool programming.The program expandedtoinclude kindergartenand first grade students through summercamps.Studentsparticipatedin518 hours of hands-onlearning, integrating science, technology, engineering, arts, and math. Highschool studentsalsoservedasprogram assistants, gaining leadershipskillswhile mentoring younger studentsand aligningwithBCSD’sacademicachievement and careerreadiness goals.
The 4-H UNITY Program, supported byNIFA/USDA funds, engaged 51TeenLeaders inUnion-EndicottHighSchool and MiddleSchool inworkforce development training, volunteering, and community projects. A key highlight was launching the youthled podcast series, “TheOther Side,”incollaboration withWSKG, addressingmental healthissueslikesubstance abuse, coping skills, and social media.The podcast, available onmultiple platforms, empowersyouth byamplifyingtheir voicesoncritical topics.
NUTRITION
Nutrition programsencompass a range ofinitiatives to improve healthand wellnessincommunities.Thisyear, 2,691 youth participatedinuptofourweeks ofnutrition education through the Supplemental Nutrition AssistanceEducation Program (SNAP-Ed).Additionally, 2,539 adultsengaged inSNAP-Ed programsat community locations, suchaslibraries, churches, and seniorcenters.Our BuildingHealthy HabitsProgram, part ofthe ExpandedFoodand Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP), celebratedthe graduationof105 adultsand 70 youth, withadultsreceiving anaverage ofeight weeks of education and youth completingsix weeks.
The Healthy LifestylesCoalition Program, a partnership withthe Lee Barta Community Centerand UnitedWay, extendedits reach to243 youth through in-school and after-school programming atRoosevelt Elementary School. Italsoserved102 adultswithcooking classes and educational programsatthe Lee Barta Community Centerand FairviewRecoveryCenter. Inthe North Sideof Binghamton, wesupported 988 individuals through community events, dinners, and other activities, promoting healthier lifestylesand strongerconnections.
Beyondour primary programs, weworkedtomeetthe uniqueneeds ofspecificgroups. Veteransbenefited fromcooking and foodpreservationclasses, while workforce development initiatives helpedindividuals obtainServSafeCertifications, equipping themwith valuableskillsfor the foodindustry. These efforts demonstrate our commitmenttofostering health, education, and empowerment acrossdiverse community segments.
3
2
2
Our with school education garden Broome County
YOUTH
Our FarmtoSchool Program and CreatingHealthy Schools and Communities Program (CHSC)allow ustocollaborate with schools topromote gardening and composting. Overthe pastyear, the FarmtoSchool Program supported eight school districtgardenprograms, providedhydroponics trainingfor teachers, and facilitated taste tests and STEAM education lessons for students. Meanwhile, the CHSCprogram helpedSeton CatholicCentral establish a school garden and implement a school-wide compostinginitiative. These initiatives are supported through partnershipswith Broome Tioga BOCES School Nutrition Services, the Rural HealthNetwork ofSouth Central New York, and the Broome County HealthDepartment.
CareerBound, a Workforce Development program in partnership with Broome-Tioga Workforce New York, has empowered young adults for over 20 years. The program helps participants overcome barriers, discover their strengths, and gain the confidence to secure meaningful employment. Notable success stories include Shawneicia, who received funding for the Broome-Tioga BOCES LPN program. She graduated earlier this year and is now a full-time labor and delivery nurse while continuing her nursing education at SUNY Broome. In 2024, 73 youth enrolled in CareerBound, with 51 securing jobs, nine in vocational training, 10 in on-the-job training, 52 earning certifications, and three continuing their education.
51 WORKFORCE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Our Conscious Discipline Parenting Education program deliveres offers strength based curriculum and trainings focused on strong families in our community. In 2024, the program impacted 74 families, providing tools for building stable, connected family environments. The program, delivered in person and via Zoom, increased accessibility for working families. Partnerships with local organizations expanded the program’s reach, and collaboration with the 4-H UNITY program led to the Summer Stipend Workforce Program, focusing on workforce development skills like financial literacy, communication, and community beautification. This initiative aims to break cycles of generational poverty and build a stronger workforce.
Naomi Ashley Sarah Atwood Terrence Barclift Sara Bergfjoird Devin Bialy
Laura Biasillo Michelle Bond Adam Bredesen
Natalie Broderick Dan Cargill Peyton Clapper Kathleen Cook Sean Cummings Linnea Depue
Aryn Every
Caroline Donnelly James Esposito
Carol Fetterman Rose Hampton Katelyn Harasta Kira Hawes
Nicole Huston Mallory Issley Kaelie Johnson
Alyssa Joyce
Latham Kelly Mabee Samantha Malone
Nicole Manderville Katie Matsushima Molly McManus Rylie Miller
7%Volunteer Support - 281 volunteersdonateover10,855hours oftheir timeand expertise valuedat$364,538.65
3%State 224 and Federal Smith Lever Funds - Directprogram delivery
Cornell Cooperative Extension of Broome County is a subordinate governmental agency with an educational mission that operates under a form of organization and administration approved by Cornell University as an agent for the State of New York. It is tax-exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.
The association is part of the national cooperative extension system, an educational partnership between county, state, and federal governments. As New York's land grant university, Cornell administers the system in this state. Each Cornell Cooperative Extension association is an independent employer that is governed by an elected Board of Directors with general oversight from Cornell. All associations work to meet the needs of the counties in which they are located as well as state and national goals.
